Apple’s ARKit set to shake up augmented reality

Later this year (hopefully) Apple will launch a new range of iPhones, powered by iOS 11. The new operating system features ARKit, first revealed at its Worldwide Developer Conference back in June. This brings augmented reality features to millions of new devices, baked into the OS, without the need for large apps, power-hungry custom code or special cards to enable AR. Yes, other AR technologies have come before, but this creates a larger playing field with millions of devices likely to benefit.

AR apps about to take off

ARKit and augmented reality can benefit developers by making it easy to add AR features in any app. Products, brands and us across a range of use cases will also benefit. Imagine an instruction manual that shows you what to do in front of the device. Apps can also mix the written word with what the user actually sees and relate the two, making it easy for text, video or 3D guides to help instruct the user. Education tools at both senior and junior levels can mix augmented graphics with the real world, while news and events apps can leverage AR to add drama and

Education tools at both senior and junior levels can mix augmented graphics with the real world, with instructional courses making it easy for every pupil with an iPad to follow along at their own pace. News apps will leverage AR to add drama and color to world events.

Gaming will get a massive boost as titles become ever more immersive. Pokemon Go might be huge but imagine hide-and-seek with “real” monsters or playing secret agent laser obstacle chess without the need for high-powered lasers. There are many examples of cool ARKit demos online that you can check out, but come the full release of iOS 11, expect the AR world to change forever.